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Kawarau Gorge Trail: On the Home Stretch

Construction of the 32km Kawarau Gorge Trail has officially passed the halfway mark.

Kawarau Gorge Trail under construction
Geoff Marks

News & Events Kawarau Gorge Trail Construction at Halfway

Over the past year contractors have been working in hard-to-access areas which, at times, have been very challenging; equipment has been transported over the top of hills from the Cromwell side – thanks to landowner’s permission, and construction has been affected by freezing winter weather.

“This year two suspension bridges will be built over the Kawarau River at the Nevis Ferry and Citroen Rapids locations, which are either side of the Nevis River,” advises Chairman Aaron Halstead.   Two bluff bridges will also be constructed to link the landlocked formed trail sections together.

Through 2024 contractors focused on gaining access to land-locked areas including the completion of the bluff bridge upstream from Goldfields.  This heavy-duty bridge, at three metres wide and 52 metres long, has been engineered to carry six tonnes and is the only way for diggers and earthwork equipment to get to into the Roaring Meg area.

Construction of the new Kawarau Gorge Trail includes significant sections of technical engineering.

Helicopters have been used to help transport equipment and materials into the gorge.

Through 2024 contractors focused on gaining access to land-locked areas including the completion of the bluff bridge upstream from Goldfields.  This heavy-duty bridge, at three metres wide and 52 metres long, has been engineered to carry six tonnes and is the only way for diggers and earthwork equipment to get to into the Roaring Meg area.

“There will be several areas of trail construction visible from SH6 but we urge drivers to keep their eyes on the road”, adds Aaron.

The Trustees are delighted that the project is progressing so well and as planned.  Contractors have been working with various specialists to avoid, preserve and enhance the ecology and history of the unique Kawarau Gorge environment. Several species of protected skinks and geckos are locally endemic to the Kawarau Gorge environs and so, lizard habitats have been developed by our contractors to protect the lizards during trail building.

Hundreds of native trees and shrubs have also been identified by specialists to avoid when trail building.  Mitigation planting will ensure that more native trees and plants will be beside the trail. 

NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi are creating the trail around the Nevis Bluff and making good progress on that section of the track, linking into Gibbston Valley.

“As trustees we are excited about trail progress, and we are sure the biking community are keen to ride the newest trail in the region.  However, we urge biking enthusiasts to wait until the official opening of the trail, as there are significant hazards during the construction phase. The landowners who have given us permission to build the trail over their land don’t need unauthorised people on their land until all construction has been finished” adds Aaron. 

The Southern Lakes Trust look forward to an official opening of the trail towards the end of 2025.  

Sections of the Kawarau Gorge Trail are visible from SH6.

The new trail follows the Kawarau Gorge from Gibbston in Queenstown to Bannockburn.

The trail traverses dramatic scenery through the Kawarau Gorge.

The Trust has advised that the trail is a high risk construction site and not accessible to the public at this time.

Key Facts

  • Southern Lakes Trails is the Trust responsible for building the trail with funds from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust and Central Government (MBIE), committed in 2018.
  • Landowners have been crucial to the project providing easements for the trail and access for construction vehicles. 
  • Contractors Wilson Keen Contracting focus on main earthworks.  Ellis Mining responsible for suspension bridges and structures. Overall project management is provided by Southern Land ensuring smooth coordination and execution. 
  • Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is the project lead on the Nevis Bluff portion of the trail.
  • The Kawarau Gorge Trail is a pivotal component of a game-changing project that connects the five Ngā Haerenga Great Rides in the Otago region, creating a 530km of continuous trail network across Queenstown, Central Otago and connecting through to Waihola near Dunedin.

Map of the Kawarau Gorge Trail which is currently under construction.

About Southern Lakes Trails Trust

The Southern Lakes Trails is responsible for the construction of three trails in the region: Lake Dunstan Trail, Kawarau Gorge Trail and the Wanaka Link.  These ambitious projects are being made possible with co-funding totalling $26.3 million provided by Central Government, Central Lakes Trust and Otago Community Trust.  A tripartite funding agreement was signed in 2016. 

The highly successful Lake Dunstan trail opened on 31st May 2019 and has welcomed over 250,000 riders to date. 

Southern Lakes Trails was formerly known as the Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust.

Southern Lakes Trails

Southern Lakes Trails trustees and contractors inspect progress on the Kawarau Gorge Trail.

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